Gamestop says next Xbox will make world "take notice"

Retail boss hints that Microsoft has something special up its sleeve, as Ubisoft says specs are 'aligned' with the PS4's

The boss of major US games retailer Gamestop has said that "the world is going to stand up and take notice" once Microsoft announces the successor to the Xbox 360.

Speaking with Games Industry, J. Paul Paines said: "We've been spending a lot of time with Microsoft. But we have to let them take the lead on [the new console], but it will be a very hot, very compelling device.

"They are doing some really cool stuff, and I’m eager to hear them start their announcements because I think the world is going to stand up and take notice," he added.

The PlayStation 4 was announced officially by Sony earlier this year. So far, it has dominated the public's mindshare.

However, at the recent Game Developers Conference developers seemed a lot less excited about the console. Many acknowledged off record that they knew what Microsoft has in store, but that nondisclosure agreements meant they couldn't say anything.

The only developer that has spoken on the record is Ubisoft Montreal's Jean-Francois Boivin. Speaking to Eurogamer, he said that the next Xbox is "aligned with what Sony announced".

He added: "It's going to be connected. It's going to be social. It's going to be immersive. It's going to be interactive."